Notes on environmental GIS, geospatial automation, and the tools that make it work
How I replaced a 2-day manual map production process with a Python script that generates 40+ regulatory figures from a single ArcGIS Pro project. Covers layout manipulation, dynamic text elements, spatial bookmarks, and PDF export with arcpy.mp -- including the edge cases that catch everyone off guard.
Read articleUsing Arcade to dynamically color-code depth-to-water labels on monitoring well maps. No joins, no duplicated layers -- just clean, data-driven label styling in ArcGIS Pro.
Read moreA Python pre-checker that validates electronic data deliverables against EQuIS format files before loading. Catching reference value mismatches, date formatting issues, and required field gaps early.
Read moreComparing DSM-based volume calculations against traditional survey methods. GCPs, processing parameters, and accuracy expectations on a remedial action excavation project.
Read moreWhat a GIS analyst actually does in an environmental firm, why it goes far beyond making maps, and how geospatial thinking shapes project decisions from characterization through remedy.
Read moreA walkthrough of using arcpy.mp to iterate through layouts, update data sources, swap extent indicators, and export production-ready PDFs -- all without touching the GUI.
Read moreLessons from deploying Field Maps for environmental inspections. Conditional visibility, smart defaults, calculated fields, and the small UX decisions that determine whether a form gets used or abandoned.
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